Rev. Robert “Earl” Wilkey made his way to Glory on December 25, 2025. Born in Kingston, GA on September 19, 1934, to Emmett and Lillie Wilkey, Earl was a lifelong resident of Kingston. From the time he was 10 years old, Earl was a hard worker who loved and supported his family after the early loss of his father. Earl was known for being a skilled carpenter, a foundation built in his childhood with his dad, and a lover of family, faith, and cornbread and milk. Earl and his brothers had a brotherly love and lived their lives honoring their mother. Earl met the love of his life, Linda, in 1968. Together they worked through up and downs to build a life of love, commitment, and became followers of Christ together. After both were saved on January 25, 1976, an event that saved their lives and their souls, they committed to lifelong service to the Kingdom of God. This walk with God would lead them to deep friendships with other faith families. As a co-founder of Kingston Full Gospel Church, Earl supported his brother who was his lifelong Pastor. Later, Earl became Pastor for over a decade at Kingston Full Gospel Church after his brother went into evangelism. Earl spent 28 years working for his brother in Christ and best friend Van Buskirk. Many a prayers and pots of coffee was shared between those two at Sam’s Antique Shop. Earl was a master wood craftsman and deeply skilled refinisher and restorer of antique furniture. If Earl wasn’t in the pulpit, he could be spotted in his Liberty Overalls working at his shop at home, loafering around town in his old Ford pickup, or helping someone somewhere that he thought there was a need. Earl loved to use his quick wit and humor on folks and was known for his big smile and kind eyes.

Earl and Linda were blessed with three children. Earl and Linda raised Rebekah, Bobby, and Beth in a home filled with faith, security, stability, and love. A home he built with his own hands. That home on Wilkey hill became a refuge to many that were hurting, hopeless, and looking for healing. A place to go when you needed compassion, grace, and hope. Each visitor was pointed to the cross on Calvary by Earl and Linda. He was known for being humble and helpful to any he saw in need. A gentle giant who was fierce in his defense of those he loved. But he would be the first to tell you that what he wants most remembered is how the saving grace of Jesus Christ reached down one day to an old wretched sinner and plucked him from destruction and made him and his wife new creatures in Christ. Earl loved to share how much God changed him and brought him into newness of light that January night. He spent a lifetime praying, serving, and seeking more of God. Generations of people from all walks of life were impacted by his wise words, prayers, and spiritual instruction. His mission field was his home, his family, his church, and his community.

Earl is proceeded in death by his mother and father, three brothers, a sister-in-law, one niece, two nephews, and his friend and mother-in-law Virginia Jarrard.

Earl is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda Wilkey, Son Robert and Sheila Wilkey, Daughter Rebekah and Jeremy Prather, Daughter Beth and Phillip Martin, Son Ricky and Connie Wilkey. Granddaughters Apryl, Heather, Emily, Jasmine, Chelsie, Kaitlyn, Georgia, and Renley. Grandsons Darren and EJ. Great grandchildren Katalaya, Phoenix, Tori, Delphi, Remy, Lillie, Charlotte, Everly, Karleigh and Emmett. Several nieces and nephews, and his beloved little dog Yeller. Special friends Robert Wynn, Jerry Holcomb. Special caregiver Brittni Dover. 

Pallbearers include, Nathan Wilkey, Chad Beaver, Phillip Martin, Darren Cole, Robert Wynn, Jerry Holcomb Dustin Wallin, Zoe Fults, Anthony Quijada. Honorary Pallbearers: Simon Drummond and Chris Carter.

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Carnation Foundation which provides needed financial support and resources to indigent hospice patients and their families. www.carnationfoundation.org

The family will receive friends and family at Barton Funeral home on Monday, December 29, 2025, from 4:00-8:00 pm for visitation. The Homegoing Service will be held Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 1:00 pm at the Chapel of Barton Funeral Home with Earl’s three children and Rev. Dr. Jeremy Prather officiating. Graveside Service will be held immediately after at Kingston Cemetery with Rev. John McKenzie officiating.